Our first Gresham's Christmas Tree Festival begins this Friday 4th December. Our Chapel has been filled with over forty beautiful Christmas Trees all lovingly festooned by members of our school community. Every year group or house bubble from all three schools has decorated a tree, with the OG Club and support staff also joining in the fun. All of this will help to create a special atmosphere and environment for our Christmas celebrations, carol services and events in the coming weeks.

At this time of year we have always collected donations for a variety of good causes in Chapel. Our Christmas Tree Festival is raising money for this year's school charity The Treehouse in Holt, as well as one of our long term charity partners the Buckingham Emergency Food Appeal (BEFA).

BEFA is a locally based charity founded by OGs. Its mission is simple to feed the homeless, the hungry and those fleeing domestic violence at Christmas and into the New Year. They work through established shelters and supported housing projects who have daily contact with the people who need help. Most of the people they help live in Norfolk and Suffolk, but they also give food to organisations working in Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, London and the North West of England. Last year their donors made it possible for about 20,300 people to have a proper dinner on Christmas Day. In all, BEFA provided food for in excess of 100,000 meals during 2019.

The Treehouse runs a community café, garden and fridge, as well as groups and workshops for all ages in Holt. Its work is making a huge difference to many local families who are struggling in these tough times.

The Christmas Trees will also be for sale at the end of the festival.

Suggested donations:

Small Potted Tree (£8)

Medium 6ft Tree (£21)

Large 12ft Tree (£50)

Please email the Chaplain Revd Jack at jbranford@greshams.com if you are interested in purchasing a tree or if you have any questions about the festival.